Anheuser-Busch has announced it will acquire Devils Backbone Brewing Company, a craft brewer based in Virginia, US.

Devils Backbone will join Anheuser-Busch’s other craft brands, such as Goose Island, Four Peaks and Golden Road, in The High End (Anheuser-Busch’s business unit for craft and import brands).

Devils Backbone’s flagship brew is its Vienna Lager, which accounted for almost 60% of volumes in 2015. The portfolio also includes Eight Point IPA and Schwartz Bier.

50,000 square foot expansion planned​

Devils Backbone was founded in 2008 by Steve and Heidi Crandall, after being inspired by Germanic style beer on a ski trip to Italy. The business started with a brewpub, Basecamp, followed by its Outpost facility in Lexington, Virginia.

“We still know where we want to go, but we realized we needed a partner to get there”

Devils Backbone

Today, the Outpost Brewery & Taproom is the primary production brewery. The Basecamp brewpub – which is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains – serves as a visitor destination and offers numerous outdoor activities such as bike races, trail run races and festivals.

Steve Crandall, co-founder and CEO of Devils Backbone, said the brewer will “continue its own authentic DNA within The High End framework”. ​

Crandall said Devils Backbone has been built on a ‘unique, adventurous spirit’ but has now outgrown its means.

“​We still know where we want to go, but we realized we needed a partner to get there,” ​he said. “For the past year we’ve been exploring options for a long-term solution that would enable us to continue expanding our business of brewing consistent, high-quality craft beer. ​

“ABI [Anheuser-Busch InBev] will support our brand as we build out our dream of what Devils Backbone can become.”​

Developments for the Basecamp Brewpub will include permanent camping and added infrastructure. At the Outpost Brewery and Taproom, a 50,000 square foot expansion is planned to accommodate a new shipping and receiving facility along with additional packaging automation.

“​All these improvements have been in the planning for many years and they will continue to have our own authentic DNA on them,” ​said Crandall.

The partnership is expected to close in the second quarter, with terms of the agreement not being disclosed.